Day # 7......The VA WAY......The Walk.......I am specifically speaking about a certain unit when I share my stories. My unit I worked in is a lock down unit. With that I understand there is a specific needed procedure for this unit. But to go prison style is over the top. Again I would like to remind the two or three people who actually care that there is one size fit all when it comes to mental disorders and additions. So here we go. When a patient comes onto the floor after the strip search and the processing the identity of being human is reduced even more, the Patient is given the GREEN PAJAMAS. The mark of being on the lock down ward. When a Patient goes to an appointment with escort the GREEN PAJAMAS are well known. No bathrobe, at times the pt has only the GREEN PAJAMAS no underwear. Yes there is the hospital famous gowns we have all worn or seen on TV. BUT! when patients are transported to and from appointments they are NOT publicly identified as a mental Patient. The comment from the upper management and the brain trusts in D.C. say it's for the VA'S safety. What? the VA'S safety? Really? The VA has it's own police force, worthless but a police force. Also if a individual decides to bolt out the door how far would they get in pajamas and hospital slippers? What would be the difference would it be if they were wearing GREEN or Purple? The answer is NOTHING! Yet the Veteran who is in a lock down unit is separated in the VA hospital by the GREEN PAJAMAS, and no Robe to at least give a modicum of respect. But it's the 1900's prison mentally all the way. But why is this?because NO body gives a CRAP!